What’s the Longest At-Bat in MLB History?

Baseball is known for its long and drawn-out games, and at-bats can last for what feels like an eternity. But, just how long can an at-bat last in Major League Baseball? The record for the longest at-bat in MLB history is held by former San Diego Padres catcher, Mike Hargrove. On April 15, 1971, at the age of 20, Hargrove had a 21-pitch at-bat against Hall of Fame pitcher, Tom Seaver.

In this article, we will take a look at the details of this epic at-bat, as well as explore some of the longest at-bats in MLB history.

Background on Mike Hargrove

Mike Hargrove was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1950. He was a highly-touted prospect and played college baseball at the University of Houston. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 1970 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Padres on April 8th, 1971.

Tom Seaver

Tom Seaver was a three-time Cy Young Award winner and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992. He was nicknamed “The Franchise” for his long and successful career with the New York Mets. He was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era and was feared by opposing batters.

The Epic At-Bat

On April 15, 1971, Mike Hargrove stepped up to the plate against Tom Seaver in the bottom of the 5th inning. The game was scoreless and the Padres were down to their last out. What followed was a 21-pitch at-bat that would eventually go down in MLB history as the longest at-bat of all time.

Breakdown of the At-Bat

1. Pitch 1: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

2. Pitch 2: Seaver threw a slider that Hargrove fouled off.

3. Pitch 3: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

4. Pitch 4: Seaver threw another fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

5. Pitch 5: Seaver threw a curveball that Hargrove fouled off.

6. Pitch 6: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

7. Pitch 7: Seaver threw a slider that Hargrove fouled off.

8. Pitch 8: Seaver threw a curveball that Hargrove fouled off.

9. Pitch 9: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

10. Pitch 10: Seaver threw a slider that Hargrove fouled off.

11. Pitch 11: Seaver threw a curveball that Hargrove fouled off.

12. Pitch 12: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

13. Pitch 13: Seaver threw a slider that Hargrove fouled off.

14. Pitch 14: Seaver threw a curveball that Hargrove fouled off.

15. Pitch 15: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

16. Pitch 16: Seaver threw a slider that Hargrove fouled off.

17. Pitch 17: Seaver threw a curveball that Hargrove fouled off.

18. Pitch 18: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove fouled off.

19. Pitch 19: Seaver threw a slider that Hargrove fouled off.

20. Pitch 20: Seaver threw a curveball that Hargrove fouled off.

21. Pitch 21: Seaver threw a fastball that Hargrove grounded out to the shortstop.

The Result

At the end of the 21-pitch at-bat, Mike Hargrove had managed to foul off 18 consecutive pitches, but he ultimately struck out on the 21st pitch. The Padres went on to lose the game 1-0.

Analysis of the At-Bat

It’s remarkable that Mike Hargrove was able to foul off 18 consecutive pitches in an at-bat against one of the best pitchers of all time. It’s also impressive that Tom Seaver was able to maintain his composure and focus during the long at-bat, as it must have been highly frustrating for him.

Other Long At-Bats in MLB History

While Mike Hargrove’s 21-pitch at-bat is the longest in MLB history, there have been several other lengthy at-bats that have gone down in the record books. Here are a few of the longest at-bats in MLB history:

1. David Ortiz vs. Russ Ortiz (18 Pitches)

In 2004, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz faced off against Braves pitcher Russ Ortiz in an epic 18-pitch battle. Ortiz was eventually able to foul off the 18th pitch, but he was called out on strikes on the 19th pitch.

2. Rickey Henderson vs. Charlie Hough (17 Pitches)

In 1989, Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson faced off against Charlie Hough of the Texas Rangers in a 17-pitch at-bat. Henderson fouled off 15 consecutive pitches before finally striking out on the 17th pitch.

3. Dave Parker vs. Tom Seaver (15 Pitches)

In 1978, Pirates outfielder Dave Parker faced off against Tom Seaver in a 15-pitch battle. Parker was able to foul off 11 consecutive pitches, but he eventually struck out on the 15th pitch.

Conclusion

The longest at-bat in MLB history is held by Mike Hargrove, who fouled off an incredible 18 consecutive pitches in an epic battle against Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver. While Hargrove was ultimately unable to get on base, his resilience and determination in the at-bat has gone down in the record books.

There have been several other long at-bats in MLB history, and it’s remarkable to see just how much skill and concentration is required to battle through a long at-bat against one of the best pitchers in the game.